Currency Exchange International specializes in foreign currency exchange. CXI buys and sells more than 80 foreign currencies and holds currency in stock daily (a plus for late planners). CXI’s convenient service is easier than banks or airports with less lines. Reserve foreign currency online or over the phone with us before coming to the branch. CXI's aim is to provide the best exchange rates and highest level of customer service, so all customers walk away having a positive exchange experience. Ask about our Best Rate Guarantee and Currency Price Protection. Limited EUR, GBP, CAD, MXN coins accepted. No other FX coins accepted. Happy Travels!
Best place to buy Mexican peso’s safely and very convenient in Chicago rate better and less stress than in Mexico
TS
Tom Stajmiger
Sep 25, 2025
5.0
Worked with Nicole to get some currency for an upcoming trip. Website said they were out of what I needed, but she found a quick solution anyway. Fair rates. Great experience.
HD
Hilary Dethmer
Sep 19, 2025
1.0
Truly terrible service from Nicole. Was not honestly and claims to have called early in the week but clearly no calls or voicemails left to let me know that there was none. Claims she called and left 2 VMs but have not even a missed called. Didn’t try any other means like email or messages. Was extremely rude when I called and continued to talk over me- ending results she completely ruined an over seas fundraiser leaving me with no way to get them the money we raised for them by giving us no time to find another way to exchange the currency. Order was placed Monday to be picked up
Friday. Had so many days to let us know but instead lied on the phone saying she called once and when I started to question it the story changed to she called 3x. Ended the call when she started to yell at me telling me I was threatening her because I said I would write a review about my experience…. Definitely after getting yelled at I’m gonna write A review explaining exactly what you put me through . Hmmmm not a great service for a someone who claims to be a manager Nicole.
MN
Mike N
Sep 13, 2025
2.0
Dry misleading business practices here. They post the exchange rates on their digital board in the back of the booth. Then, they have a separate placard which states additional “fees” depending on the total amount exchanged.
However, buy beware! They fail to mention/remind the customer until AFTER they give you your money.
WB
William Barlowe
Aug 12, 2025
5.0
Nicole, the Branch Manager, is the consummate professional…she is knowledgeable and engaging simultaneously!😎
Frequently Asked Questions About Currency Exchange International
What is an exchange rate and how does it work?
An exchange rate between two currencies is the price of a country's currency in relation to another currency (called a currency pair). An exchange rate thus has two components, the domestic currency and a foreign currency.
Currencies can be quoted either directly (how much 1 domestic currency unit, for example: $1USD is X amount of Euros, is worth in the foreign currency) or indirectly (how much 1 foreign currency unit, for example: 1 Euro is X amount of USD, is worth in the domestic currency).
What is CXI’s Best Rate Guarantee?
This guarantee means CXI's company-owned location will match or beat the exchange rate given by any local bank or airport for the same product and service on the same day and time of the exchange. If you find a better rate within the same city and on the same day as the CXI branch you plan to exchange with, notify the CXI branch. Our branch will confirm that the rate you present is for the same amount and currency as you plan to exchange with CXI. Once confirmed with the bank or airport, CXI will match or beat the given rate. This is only valid prior to an exchange and is not valid after an exchange has already been completed.
Best Rate Guarantee cannot be applied to online purchases for Home Delivery
Please note that the policies of affiliate-owned locations listed on our website may vary – please contact affiliate-owned locations at their listed phone number to confirm whether they offer this Best Rate Guarantee.
Is it safe to order foreign currency online?
CXI is proud to provide its customers a secure platform to purchase their currency. We provide for the security of our users by enabling the encryption of data transmitted between Currency Exchange International, Corp and your browser during an SSL/TLS encrypted session.
How does currency reservation work?
First, select your desired currency and a branch location for pick up. On the Cart page, enter how much of that currency you want to reserve (an indication rate will be used for your reference) or the USD equivalent. If you want to add another currency select “Add New Currency” and enter the amount for this as well. Once you have all of the currencies you’d like to reserve, select “Proceed to Checkout”. You will now enter your contact information and select “Reserve Currency”. You will see a confirmation of your order and a confirmation will be sent to your provided email address. CXI's representative will contact with you and confirm when the reserved order will be available for pick up. You will pay for the order when you pick up the reserved currency.
What do I do with the foreign currency I bought at CXI when I get back from my trip?
If you are returning with foreign currency, CXI will be happy to exchange it back to USD at one of our 30+ retail branches. The rate will be the buyback exchange rate of the day you bring in the foreign currency. Don't forget it's also covered by our Best Rate Guarantee.
Does CXI exchange foreign coins?
CXI now exchanges the following coins at our branch locations:
1 & 2 EUR
1 & 2 CAD
1 & 2 GBP
10 & 20 MXN
How long will the branch keep my currency reservation?
The branch will keep your currency on hand for 7 business days before putting it back into inventory. If you will not be able to pick it up within 7 business days, please call your local CXI branch.
What is the difference between an exchange rate for Home Delivery and an indication rate for Reservation?
Branch Pickup Reservations
Our exchange rates are locked in every weekday at our branches around 8 AM EST. The rate you receive when you make the online reservation is the exchange rate (indication rate) of that day, so it is good for that day only. The exchange rate you pay will be that of the day when you actually pick up and pay for the currency. The indication rate gives you a good reference point as currency exchange rates typically move less than 3% day to day.
Home Delivery Orders
Our exchange rates are locked in every weekday online around 8 AM EST. Home Delivery Orders are paid for when you complete the online checkout at the exchange rate displayed. Home Delivery does not use indication rates.
What types of foreign currencies does Currency Exchange International offer?
Currency Exchange International buys and sells more than 80 foreign currencies daily, including EUR, GBP, CAD, MXN, and JPY.
What is the Best Rate Guarantee offered by CXI?
CXI guarantees to match or beat the exchange rate offered by any local bank or airport for the same currency and amount on the same day and time at their company-owned locations.
How can I reserve foreign currency at CXI?
You can reserve currency online by selecting your desired currency and branch, entering the amount, completing checkout, and then you will be notified when your currency is ready for pick up. Payment is made at pick up.
Are foreign coins accepted for exchange at CXI?
Yes, CXI accepts limited foreign coins including 1 & 2 EUR, 1 & 2 CAD, 1 & 2 GBP, and 10 & 20 MXN coins at branch locations.
What are the business hours of Currency Exchange International in Chicago?
The branch is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Please call on the day of pick up to confirm hours due to COVID-related staff shortages.
What payment methods are accepted at CXI?
CXI accepts American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa as payment options.
Where is Currency Exchange International located and how can I find it?
It is located at 520 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, on Level 1 Near Nordstrom beside the Escalators within The Shops at North Bridge.
Can you recommend nearby places to visit before or after visiting CXI?
Nearby attractions include WaterTower Mall Downtown Chicago for shopping and dining, and you can also enjoy a meal at Harold's Chicken or Sbarro, both close by.
Are there any eyewear or fashion accessory stores near the exchange office?
Yes, nearby stores include Big City Optical for eyewear and Daniel Wellington and Sunglass Hut for fashion accessories.
Is there a good place nearby for relaxation or spa services around the exchange location?
Yes, there are several nearby options such as Brazilian Lymph Spa, Rhea Esthetic, Mongael Aesthetics, Organic SPA Chicago, and Glam Dr Chicago Medspa for spa and beauty treatments.